☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today in Kingsport — High 92°F, Low 69°F, with just a 4% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport opens its first IMAX theater and kicks off Fun Fest in the same week. Somewhere, a city planner from 1917 is nodding approvingly and wondering if John Nolen accounted for giant screens in the original layout.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What Kingsport convention venue is associated with MeadowView?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Fun Fest 2026 Kicks Off Friday — Here’s What’s Happening
Fun Fest, an annual 9-day festival featuring 80+ events in 30+ locations around Kingsport, takes place July 17–25, 2026, with the majority of events free and open to the public. The Fun Fest Parade kicks things off on Friday, July 17, at 6:30 PM in Downtown Kingsport. The Sunset Concert Series features Katy Nichole and Jeremy Camp on July 23, Switchfoot and Daughtry on July 24, and the festival finale includes LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne followed by the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular on July 25.
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Sullivan County Budget Committee Says No to Tax Hike
Sullivan County’s budget committee recently voted against a proposed property tax rate increase, opting not to raise the rate as discussions over the county’s budget continue. The decision follows weeks of budget deliberations, including consideration of funding for schools and other county services. Residents can follow the latest developments through local coverage linked below.
Early Voting Starts July 17, Runs Until August 1
Early voting for the upcoming election begins July 17 and runs through August 1. Sullivan County residents looking to cast their ballots early should check local listings for polling locations and hours. The August election is now just weeks away.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
📅 Upcoming Events
Fun Fest 2026 — July 17–25, Various Locations, Kingsport
Fun Fest is a nine-day festival filled with family-friendly events and activities, with more than 100 events taking place throughout Kingsport in over 30 locations — from food trucks and fireworks to hot air balloons, sporting events, road races, and more. The Fun Fest Parade kicks off on Friday, July 17 at 6:30 PM in Downtown Kingsport. Closing out Fun Fest is the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular on July 25, serving as the grand finale to the festival.
Full schedule and details at funfest.net
Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series — July 23, 24 & 25 | J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport
Katy Nichole and Jeremy Camp kick off the Sunset Concert Series on July 23, followed by Switchfoot and Daughtry on July 24. The festival finale on July 25 includes LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne, followed by the Eastman Fireworks Spectacular. Concerts are held at J. Fred Johnson Stadium located at Dobyns-Bennett High School.
Tickets and info at funfest.net
Behind the Book Festival — Sunday, July 19 | Fort Henry Mall, Kingsport
The Kingsport Public Library is hosting a Behind the Book Festival featuring more than 50 local and regional authors, taking place on the first floor of the Fort Henry Mall on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Authors will be on hand selling and signing their books, participating in discussion panels throughout the day, and several children’s authors will read their books to visiting children.
Pickle in the Park (Pickleball Tournament) — July 16–18 | Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview, Kingsport
Pickle in the Park is a three-day pickleball competition (pre-registration required) running July 16 through 18. Events on July 16 include Beginner play from 6–8 p.m., with additional divisions including 55+ mixed doubles, youth 14 & under, intermediate, and advanced categories across July 17 and 18. Visit funfest.net for registration details.
Register and learn more at funfest.net
Fun Fest Medallion Hunt — Daily July 18–25 | Locations across Kingsport
One medallion will be hidden each day between July 18–25, with clues released on the Kingsport Fun Fest Facebook page and Instagram account (KptFunFest). The 2026 Fun Fest Medallion Hunt is presented by Kubota of Kingsport, with bonus medallions also in play. Visit funfest.net for clue times and full rules.
Fun Fest Hot Air Balloon Rally — July 24 | Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport
The Hot Air Balloon Rally offers a picture-perfect experience watching balloons light up against the evening sky, taking place July 24. Breakfast with the Balloons on July 25 welcomes visitors to see the balloons take flight and fill the sky.
Lunchtime Live Final Concert: Bristol Lightning — Friday, July 17 | Kingsport Farmers Market Pavilion, Noon
For the final concert in the 5th annual Lunchtime Live Concert Series, the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library & Archives are hosting Bristol Lightning at the Farmers Market Pavilion at noon on Friday, July 17 — an eclectic band led by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar that combines bluegrass, folk, classical, hip-hop, and tap dance.
Kingsport Parks & Recreation Disc Golf Tournament — Kingsport (Upcoming)
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting a disc golf tournament. Visit the city’s official announcement for registration details, date, time, and location.
Community Shredding Event — Late July | Kingsport
A community shredding event is coming to Kingsport in late July, giving residents an opportunity to securely destroy personal documents. Full details on date, time, and location are available at the link below.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center, a major Kingsport hospitality and events facility that serves conferences, conventions, and community gatherings.